1.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu Formula in Alleviating Immune Cell Exhaustion in Sepsis Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics
Rui CHEN ; Qiusha PAN ; Kaiqiang ZHONG ; Shuqi MA ; Wei HUANG ; Jiahua LAI ; Ruifeng ZENG ; Xiaotu XI ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):109-118
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Jiedu formula(YHJF) on immune cell exhaustion in the spleen of septic mice and to explore and validate its potential intervention targets. MethodsMice were randomly divided into the sham-operated, model, low-dose YHJF(4.1 g·kg-1), and high-dose YHJF(8.2 g·kg-1) groups. Except for the sham-operated group, a cecal ligation and puncture(CLP) procedure was performed to establish a mouse sepsis model. The treatment groups received oral administration of the corresponding doses, while the sham-operated and model groups received an equal volume of physiological saline. After the intervention, the 7-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and spleen samples were collected 72 h post-intervention, and the spleen index was calculated. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis in spleen cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of interleukin(IL)-4 and IL-10 in the serum. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to screen for differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and differential metabolites in the spleen, followed by bioinformatics analysis to identify key targets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to verify the expressions of key genes and proteins. ResultsThe high-dose YHJF group significantly improved the 7-day survival rate of septic mice(P0.05). Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a significant increase in apoptosis of spleen cells and a decrease in the spleen index at 72 h post-modeling, with markedly elevated peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group showed a reduction in apoptosis of spleen cells, an increase in the spleen index, and a significant decrease in peripheral serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels(P0.05). Spleen transcriptomics identified 255 DEGs between groups, potentially serving as intervention targets for YHJF. Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes such as natural killer(NK) cell-mediated positive immune regulation, cell killing, cytokine production, positive regulation of innate immune cells, and interferon production. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were mainly involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokine signaling pathway, and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis identified CD160, granzyme B(GZMB), and chemokine ligand 4(CCL4) as key targets for YHJF in treating sepsis. Metabolomics identified 46 differential metabolites that were significantly reversed by YHJF intervention, and combined transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis identified 17 differential metabolites closely related to CD160. Pathway enrichment revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI) anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Verification results showed that, compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated CD160 mRNA expression level in the spleen, along with markedly decreased CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expression, and had a significant increase in CD160 expression on the surface of natural killer T(NKT) cells in the spleen(P0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose YHJF group had a significant decrease in CD160 mRNA expression in the spleen, a significant increase in CCL4 and GZMB mRNA expressions. Further flow cytometry and immunofluorescence revealed that compared with the sham-operated group, CD160 expression on the surface of splenic NKT cells in the model group was significantly increased(P0.01), while high-dose YHJF intervention significantly reduced CD160 expression(P0.01). ConclusionYHJF may alleviate NKT cell exhaustion in sepsis by downregulating the expression of the negative co-stimulatory molecule CD160, and this regulatory effect is closely related to fatty acid metabolism pathways. This study provides new insights and targets for further exploration of strengthening vital Qi and detoxifying strategy to improve immune cell exhaustion in acute deficiency syndrome of sepsis.
3.Monitoring of effects of cleaning and disinfection of flexible endoscopes
Xia LI ; Jiahua ZHANG ; Qingna MU ; Zhigui SUN ; Shasha REN ; Yan DING ; Jia WANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(12):1858-1861
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the differences between the sampling methods of peristaltic pump+membrane filtration and rinsing for monitoring the cleaning and disinfection effectiveness of flexible endoscopes,and to pro-vide a reference for selecting an efficient sampling method for monitoring the cleaning and disinfection effectiveness of flexible endoscopes.METHODS A total of 305 cases of monitoring data on the cleaning and disinfection of flexi-ble endoscopes from People's Hospital of Rizhao in Shandong Province from Jan.2021 to Dec.2024 were selected.The results of 93 cases sampled by rinsing from Jan.2021 to Dec.2022 were compared with those of 212 cases sampled by peristaltic pump+membrane filtration from Jan.2023 to Dec.2024.The monitoring capabilities of different sampling methods for flexible endoscopes after cleaning and disinfection were evaluated,and the con-sumable costs of different sampling methods were also calculated.RESULTS The detection rate of pathogenic bac-teria after biological monitoring of the peristaltic pump+membrane filtration sampling method was 25.94%(55/212),which was higher than that of the rinsing sampling method(8.60%,8/93)(P<0.05).There was no sta-tistically significant difference in the sampling qualification rate between the two methods(P=0.075).There was no statistically significant difference in the qualification rate between manual and mechanical cleaning and dis-infection methods under the same sampling method.However,there was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of pathogenic bacteria between manual cleaning and disinfection(36.21%)and mechanical cleaning and disinfection(22.08%)under the peristaltic pump+membrane filtration sampling method(P=0.036).The detection rate of pathogenic bacteria of the peristaltic pump+membrane filtration sampling method was higher than that of the rinsing sampling method for both cleaning and disinfection methods(P<0.05).The consumable cost per endoscope of the peristaltic pump+membrane filtration sampling method was(84.90±2.91)yuan,which was higher than that of the rinsing sampling method(32.24±4.73)yuan(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Al-though the peristaltic pump+membrane filtration sampling method has higher consumable costs,it can effec-tively improve the detection rate of pathogenic bacteria and enhance the sensitivity of biological monitoring of cleaning and disinfection.
4.Clinical Application Experience of Round-Sharp Needle by Li Ziyong
Xuewei QIN ; Jiahua WU ; Chen YU ; Ruchun CHANG ; Wenfei DENG ; Ziyong LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(9):2232-2237
This article summarizes Professor Li Ziyong's clinical experience with the round-sharp needle.As one of the core needle types in the Huang Di Nei Jing(The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic)nine-needle system,the round-sharp needle has long been marginalized in clinical practice due to historical discontinuities in its transmission and insufficient research on its morphological characteristics,resulting in its unique therapeutic value remaining largely unrecognized.Through nearly three decades of clinical practice,Professor Li innovatively proposed the acupuncture concept of"unblocking passages and guarding the pivotal mechanism",guided by the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic principle that"ordinary practitioners focus on the joints,while superior practitioners focus on the pivotal mechanisms".Under this theoretical framework,he has extensively applied the round-sharp needle in clinical settings.With its unique design combining rounded and sharp features,the round-sharp needle demonstrates remarkable clinical efficacy by intervening at the fascial layer and releasing local fascial adhesions.It exhibits rapid onset and stable therapeutic outcomes.This article systematically reviews Professor Li's understanding of the round-sharp needle,its key operational techniques,and clinical case studies,aiming to establish a replicable paradigm for its modern application and promote the clinical translation of classical acupuncture theory.
5.Discussion on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bi-Syndrome Through"Guarding the Gate"and"Keeping the Trigger"
Chen YU ; Ruchun CHANG ; Xuewei QIN ; Jiahua WU ; Peiming ZHANG ; Ziyong LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(9):2332-2337
The view of"inferior practitioner guarding the gate while the superior practitioner keeping the trigger"during the clinical practive was recorded in in Huang Di Nei Jing(Huangdi's Cannon of Medicine).This paper probes into the diagnosis and treatment of bi-syndrome from the perspecitve of"guarding the gate"and"keeping the trigger".It is proposed that the lesion of five body constituents(i.e.,skin,vessel,muscle,tendon,and bone)constitutes the injured"gate"of bi-syndrome,and the disharmony of qi and blood constitutes the"trigger"of the onset of bi-syndrome.The location of lesions will be found through examining the gate,and the state of qi and blood will be confirmed after checking the trigger.For the treatment of bi-syndrome,"guarding the gate"is to enable the normality of five body constituents,and"keeping the trigger"is to maintain the abundance and harmony movement of qi and blood,which cover the consideration of focal lesions and the regulation of holistic qi and blood."Guarding the gate"is as important as"keeping the trigger",and the two are interrelated.Only by carefully examining the gate of the lesions and strictly checking the trigger of qi-blood movement,it is possible to identify the deficiency of healthy qi and the excess of the pathogens,the nature of the pathogens and the severity of illness of bi-syndrome,and then the corresponding therapeutic methods can be performed to achieve the efficacy.The view of"guarding the gate"and"keeping the trigger"expands the clinical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of bi-syndrome.
6.Clinical Manifestations of Early-Onset Capillary Leak Syndrome in Patients With Multiple Organ Failure Due to Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Xueying WU ; Lan LI ; Jiahua SHI ; Jie LI ; Ziyu LI ; Ziqi LIN ; Tingting LIU ; Tao JIN ; Qing XIA
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(1):277-283
Objective To investigate the early dynamic changes of biomarkers associated with capillary leak syndrome(CLS)in patients with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and their correlation with multiple organ failure(MOF).Methods A total of 171 SAP patients admitted to the West China Centre of Excellence for Pancreatitis,West China Hospital,Sichuan University between September 1,2019 and December 31,2020 were enrolled for this study.The patients were divided into MOF and non-MOF groups based on the occurrence of MOF in the first 5 days of hospitalization,and were further divided into subgroups based on the presence of moderate-to-severe intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH).We performed dynamic monitoring of the blood biomarkers(hematocrit[HCT].blood urea nitrogen[BUN].and creatinine[Cr]),plasma proteins(albumin[Alb].total protein[TP].and non-albumin plasma proteins[NAPP]),and intra-abdominal pressure.Trends in these indicators across groups were analyzed comprehensively.Results No significant differences in baseline data between the two groups were observed.The baseline data of the 2 groups were comparable.The MOF group had significantly higher rates of persistent systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)lasting 48 hours(91.3%vs.71.8%),ICU admission(70.4%vs.17.6%),and length-of-stay([32±17.7]days vs.[19.0±12.2]days)compared to those of the non-MOF group(P<0.05).The incidences of respiratory,circulatory,and renal failures were higher in the MOF group than those in the non-MOF group,showing significant differences in circulatory failure(69%vs.3.5%)and renal failure(65.5%vs.3.5%)(P<0.05).In the first 5 days of hospitalization,the MOF group showed significantly elevated BUN and Cr levels,while Alb and TP levels dropped rapidly upon admission and then gradually recovered.The NAPP level of the MOF group continued to decrease after admission,and on the third day after admission,the NAPP level was lower than that of the Non-MOF group,showing statistically significant difference(P<0.001).The Alb/NAPP ratio of the MOF group decreased significantly on day 1 and then rapidly increased,showing significant differences between the groups on days 3 and 4(P=0.001).Subgroup analysis of MOF patients with moderate-to-severe IAH revealed similar trends in the dynamic changes and the overall changes in the indicators,and the difference was even more pronounced.The mixed linear model showed that the average levels of HCT,BUN,Alb/NAPP,and Alb/TP were higher and increased over time in the MOF combined with IAP subgroup(P<0.001).Conclusion The CLS model of SAP patients is validated,confirming that CLS is a key factor in the progression from SIRS to MOF.The loss of NAPP is an early and important indicator of CLS persistence and progression to MOF.Additionally,moderate-to-severe IAH accelerates the deterioration of MOF.These findings provide valuable insights into the potential mechanisms of MOF and warrant further validation through large-scale prospective studies.
7.Application analysis of the 3N linked care model among caregivers of leukemia patients
Jiahua DONG ; Min ZHANG ; Qian TAN ; Li ZHU
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(5):135-138
Objective To explore the effectiveness of applying 3N linked care model among care-givers of leukemia patients.Methods A total of 96 caregivers of acute leukemia patients were select-ed and randomly divided into observation groupand control group using a random lottery method,with 48 caregivers in each group.The observation group received the 3N linked care model,while the con-trol group received routine care.Psychological resilience,caregiving burden,and nursing outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results After intervention,the total score on the Connor Da-vidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC)in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[(105.23±6.24)versus(91.20±5.06),P<0.05].After intervention,the proportion of caregiv-ers with no burden in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,while the proportions of mild,moderate,and severe burdens were significantly lower(P<0.05).The total nursing outcome score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[(28.54±2.36)versus(21.05±1.42),P<0.05].Conclusion The application of 3N linked care model a-mong caregivers of leukemia patients helps improve caregivers'levels of psychological resilience,re-duce their caregiving burden,and enhance nursing outcomes.
8.Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3(report of one family)
Xiangyu XIAO ; Jiahua LV ; Fang LI
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;38(3):183-187
Objective To report the clinical,pathological,and genetic mutation characteristics of a family with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3(SCA3).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical features of multiple affected members in this family,and the latest relevant research progresses domestically and internationally were summarized.Results The proband presented with unsteady gait,dysarthria,choking while drinking,blurred vision,and severe sleep disturbances.Brain MRI revealed cerebellar atrophy.The proband's sister exhibited similar symptoms,including unsteady gait,dysarthria,choking while drinking,blurred vision,severe sleep disturbances,urinary incontinence,urinary retention,and severe depression.The proband's eldest daughter showed no obvious clinical symptoms but demonstrated poor balance ability.The proband's father,uncle,aunt,grandfather,grandfather's brother,and great-grandmother all died from the disease at the age of 40-50 years.Whole-exome sequencing results indicated that the CAG repeat numbers in the ATXN3 gene were 14/75 in the proband,14/77 in the proband's sister,and 25/77 in the proband's eldest daughter,all exceeding the normal range and confirming the pathogenic mutation.Conclusions SCA3,caused by excessive CAG repeat expansions in the ATXN3 gene,is the most common type of SCA and can affect multiple family members.In addition to ataxia,patients often experience various complications,including autonomic dysfunction,for which conventional treatments are largely ineffective.Whole-exome sequencing technology enables precise diagnosis of the disease and early identification of preclinical patients.
9.Targeting effect and anti-tumor mechanism of folic acid-modified crebanine nanoparticles combined with ultra-sound irradiation on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo
Hailiang ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Jiahua MEI ; Rui PAN ; Junze TANG ; Kun YU ; Rui XUE ; Xiaofei LI ; Xin CHENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1730-1736
OBJECTIVE To investigate the targeting effect of folic acid-modified crebanine nanoparticles (FA-Cre@PEG- PLGA NPs, hereinafter referred to as “NPs”) combined with ultrasound irradiation on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo after administration, and explore the anti-tumor mechanism. METHODS CCK-8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation on the proliferation of M109 cells, and the best ultrasound time was selected. Using human lung cancer A549 cells as a control, the targeting of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation to M109 cells was evaluated by free folic acid blocking assay and cell uptake assay. The effects of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation on the migration, invasion, apoptosis, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of M109 cells were detected by cell scratch test, Transwell chamber test and flow cytometry at 1 h after 958401536@qq.com administration; the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were observed by fluorescence inverted microscope. A mouse subcutaneous tumor model of M109 cells was constructed, and the in vivo tumor targeting of NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation was investigated by small animal in vivo imaging technology. RESULTS NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation could significantly inhibit the proliferation of M109 cells, and the optimal ultrasound time was 1 h after administration. The free folic acid could antagonize the inhibitory effect of NPs on the proliferation of M109 cells, and combined with ultrasound irradiation could partially reverse this antagonism. Compared with A549 cells, the uptake rate of NPs in M109 cells was significantly higher (P<0.01), and ultrasound irradiation could promote cellular uptake. NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation could inhibit the migration and invasion of M109 cells and block the cell cycle in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. Compared with control group, the apoptosis rate of M109 cells and ROS level were increased significantly (P<0.01), while the MMP decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the different concentration (100, 200, 300 μg/mL) groups of M109 cells. Compared with the mice in non-ultrasound group, the fluorescence intensity and tumor-targeting index of the tumor site in the 0 h ultrasound group were significantly enhanced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS NPs combined with ultrasound irradiation have a strong targeting effect on M109 cells in vitro and in vivo, the anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibiting cell migration and invasion, blocking cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis.
10.Research progress on impacts of air pollutants, gut microbiota, and seminal microbiota on semen quality
Wenchao XIA ; Jiahua SUN ; Yuya JIN ; Ruixin LUO ; Ruyan YAN ; Yuming GUI ; Yongbin WANG ; Fengquan ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Weidong WU ; Huijun LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):1003-1008
In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.

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